Cyclone Gabrielle has been upgraded to a category three storm; with near-constant gale force, or stronger, winds stretching up to 370-kilometres from its centre and clouds laden with moisture.

MetService says even the best-case scenario is still bad. 

The edge of the cyclone is expected to reach Northland tomorrow evening - and the bad weather is also likely to affect Auckland, Coromandel, Tairawhiti, Hawkes Bay, and even parts of the South Island. 

MetService meteorologist Angus Hines spoke to Max Towle.